A divorce is contested when important terms remain unresolved. Disagreements may concern parenting arrangements, the ownership or value of property, debt, or the financial information needed to reach a decision. We represent one spouse in developing the case and addressing those disputes.
Define the disputed issues
We review the pleadings, identify missing records, and distinguish genuine disputes from terms that can be agreed. Discovery, negotiations, and trial preparation should address the particular issues rather than assume every case needs the same approach.
Prepare for hearings and final resolution
An interim dispute about children or finances may arise before the final property division and parenting orders. We prepare evidence for contested hearings and trial, while evaluating settlement proposals against the record. An agreement should address the disputed terms clearly, not simply end the immediate argument.
Records that may matter
- Filed petition, responses, and hearing notices
- Current parenting orders and proposed arrangements
- Financial statements, account records, and property information
Questions about your case
Does contested mean every issue must go to trial?
No. Some issues may be resolved by agreement while others require a hearing or trial. We evaluate each disputed term and prepare for the proceedings that remain.
Is the property division automatically equal?
No. Texas Family Code §7.001 calls for a just and right division of the marital estate. Characterization and the circumstances matter; an automatic equal split should not be assumed.
Texas law references
General information. The applicable rules depend on the facts and proceedings.